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Rating: 
Summary: Welcome to the world of the Medieval Hunt
Review: Over all, an excellent introduction to the world of the Medieval Hunt. Some knowledge of medieval history and/or study is helpful, as the author does sometimes seem to assume you know what he is talking about. Full of vivid descriptions, (especially concerning the chapters refering to "Par Force" hunting) One can almost see the Hunt as it unfolds. The chapters concerning the "Par Force" and the "Bow and Stable" Hunts are excellantly done with much intricate detail covering everything from how the hounds were taken care of to how much the Huntsman made. This section alone makes the book worth purchasing. The section on falconry, I found was not quite so in depth as the "Hounds" section, though it was definately useful and interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Solid and helpful
Review: This book is essential for anyone who wants to know about western European medieval hunting. Cummins admirably completes the task of being thorough, with frequent references to and quotations of primary texts. The structure makes the book easy to follow and inclusions of anecdotes and poems makes the reading fun. This book captures both the practice and the romance of hunting throughout the centuries of the middle ages. It is generous of detail. My one complaint might be that there is little attempt to discuss different practices in different regions of Europe, though the author acknowledges the existence of slight regional variations and does try to delve into them here and there. It is hard to imagine that any other book on the subject need be written for some time.
Rating:
Summary: Solid and helpful
Review: This book is essential for anyone who wants to know about western European medieval hunting. Cummins admirably completes the task of being thorough, with frequent references to and quotations of primary texts. The structure makes the book easy to follow and inclusions of anecdotes and poems makes the reading fun. This book captures both the practice and the romance of hunting throughout the centuries of the middle ages. It is generous of detail. My one complaint might be that there is little attempt to discuss different practices in different regions of Europe, though the author acknowledges the existence of slight regional variations and does try to delve into them here and there. It is hard to imagine that any other book on the subject need be written for some time.
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